Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Hurst to turbocharge 50 V6 Camaros per year

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When gas prices were through the roof a couple of years back, the hot rumor was that modern day muscle cars were going to give up their gas guzzling V8's, go on a diet, and switch to turbocharged V6 power. Well, a little time has passed and we have yet to see the death of the V8 powered muscle car, but there is at least one alternative now.

Hurst Performance Vehicles is rolling out their first ever turbo car in honor of 40th anniversary of the introduction of the BFGoodrich Radial T/A. The car is called the Redline Series Hurst, and only 50 examples will be built each year. The V6 is a 3.6 liter, which will be good for 360 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Other mods include custom 18 inch wheels, pistol grip shifter, leather seats, and an optional gauge package. Check out all the details in the Press Release below.

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For the first time in company history, Hurst Performance Vehicles is offering enthusiasts a turbocharged V6 powered Hurst branded muscle car with the introduction of the Redline Series Hurst Camaro. The company, long known for its highly collectible limited edition muscle cars, announced this new vehicle as part of a partnership with performance tire manufacturer BFGoodrich® Tires, highlighting its BFGoodrich Radial T/A® Spec Redline Edition tire in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Radial T/A line of tires.

The new Redline Series Hurst Camaro begins as an ordinary RS V6 from Chevrolet and is modified at the company's Irvine headquarters transforming into a modern muscle car that performs as well as it looks.

For the exterior, the Redline Series Hurst Camaro wears a unique combination of painted graphics and aerodynamic enhancements. An exclusive Hurst AIR-SPEED™ rear deck spoiler and specially designed five-spoke 18" Hurst T1 alloy wheels are unique to Redline Series cars and help finish off the exterior performance modifications.

The centerpieces of this special edition vehicle are its significant horsepower and fuel economy gains courtesy of forced induction via an STS Turbo. The STS turbocharger is remote mounted in the rear of the car to the Hurst Modified exhaust system. As a result of turbocharging, there is a 50% gain in rear wheel horsepower and additional torque, all the while delivering 30% better fuel economy than the stock Camaro SS with its 6.2 liter V8.

The added power is channeled via either manual or an automatic Hurst HARD-Drive "Pistol Grip" Shifters and put to the ground through the Hurst/Detroit Speed coil-over suspension, sway bars and special BFGoodrich Radial T/A Spec Redline Edition rubber. An optional gauge package is available and includes boost and exhaust temperature gauges

Just as one would expect, the interior is the standard of cool with Hurst/Katzkin leather seating finished with contrast stitching and embroidered Hurst logos, a real metal sequentially numbered interior dash plaque and logo-embroidered floor mats.

Only 50 of these vehicles will be built by Hurst each year and each comes with a custom Hurst car cover, a signed Certificate of Authenticity and signatures in the trunk from the Hurst Team to complete the car's provenance.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - The Boss is Back!

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Years have passed as rumors of a revived Boss 302 version of the Ford Mustang have swirled around the Internet. The much beloved moniker just wouldn't go away, and with the return of the 5.0 liter displacement engine in the 2011 model year, it seemed almost inevitable that Ford was up to something.
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And it turns out that they were. The Boss 302 name means raw, race inspired performance. And the new car doesn't disappoint. It features an upgraded clutch, short throw shifter, adjustable suspension, better brakes, and an upgraded 5.0 that puts out 440 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Ford claims that the Boss will pull 1.0 g's on the skidpad, and lap a road course 2 seconds faster than the GT.
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The outside mimics that classic Boss paint scheme in a modern way. Buyers can choose a black or white roof panel, and the car features a C-stripe, closed up fog lamp openings, and a very aggressive front and rear splitter for better downforce. Color choices include Competition Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue Metallic, Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat Metallic and Race Red.
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On the inside, removal of sound deadening means that the driver will be able to hear the sweet sound of the high revving 5.0. A dark metallic finish adorns the instrument panel, gauge cluster, and door panel trim. An optional package provides Recaro seats.
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Ford is also planning to release a limited number of Laguna Seca editions (see it in the second video below) that will offer increased stiffness along with a stronger chassis and an aero package.
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Friday, August 13, 2010

Viper ACR Roadsters built for Woodhouse Dodge

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Being the number one sales volume leader in Dodge Viper sales for 11 years has its perks. And when Dodge decided to end production of the Viper in its current form, Woodhouse Dodge put in a request for a convertible Viper ACR. And surprisingly, Dodge obliged.

Since the ACR is a car known for its downforce producing aerodynamics, the aero bits and pieces had to be massaged to work on a roadster - namely the rear wing and the front spoiler. Dodge built 20 examples of the car for Woodhouse, so interested parties should contact them in Blair, Nebraska. Price is a hefty $107,310, but how often do you get such a rare opportunity?